http://forums.teamestrogen.com/ Questions from beginners. en Wed, 22 May 2013 14:32:08 GMT vBulletin 60 http://forums.teamestrogen.com/images/styles/Luburox_Blue/misc/rss.png http://forums.teamestrogen.com/ http://forums.teamestrogen.com/showthread.php?t=51692&goto=newpost Sat, 18 May 2013 22:17:13 GMT The Redline Metro Classic is very interesting! Steel with disc brakes. :) I was happy to see a recommendation for All City, I seriously looked into one of their cross framesets. Some of the later ones are definitely NOT entry-level. Carbon. Higher price tag. Whatever. ;) Enjoy!... The Redline Metro Classic is very interesting! Steel with disc brakes. :)

I was happy to see a recommendation for All City, I seriously looked into one of their cross framesets.

Some of the later ones are definitely NOT entry-level. Carbon. Higher price tag. Whatever. ;)

Enjoy! ]]> New Riders Muirenn http://forums.teamestrogen.com/showthread.php?t=51692 http://forums.teamestrogen.com/showthread.php?t=51662&goto=newpost Wed, 15 May 2013 03:10:09 GMT Has anyone else faced this? Overall my saddle is just fine and I can ride as far as I am able to without problems, until recently. The sit bone on the left side has been bothering me a bit on longer rides, it gets sore and tired. Does anyone else have this on one side only? Has anyone else faced this? Overall my saddle is just fine and I can ride as far as I am able to without problems, until recently. The sit bone on the left side has been bothering me a bit on longer rides, it gets sore and tired. Does anyone else have this on one side only? ]]> New Riders Bike Writer http://forums.teamestrogen.com/showthread.php?t=51662 http://forums.teamestrogen.com/showthread.php?t=51624&goto=newpost Sun, 12 May 2013 05:45:58 GMT My question might be an unusual one, but I'm still wondering: what level of pain or discomfort do you tolerate before thinking that it's time to try a new road bike saddle? Is there a Holy Grail of a bike saddle where it is so comfortable that you don't even think about it during a 30+ mile bike ride? I know it often takes many saddles before finding a good one so how do you know if it's the right fit?

I've ridden my Synapse for about 450 miles, all on the stock saddle (Prologo Kappa Dea). I start to experience some discomfort after maybe around 20-25 miles. However, it is tolerable to me and I figured that no one is going to feel like they're floating on air during a long ride on a small seat. I've been fine after finishing all of my rides, including the recent 50 mile ride which is currently my longest distance.

Luckily, I've not experienced severe or prolonged pain, tingling and chafing. I switch positions or stand every once in a while to relieve some of the pressure. I'm not sure what really prompts a saddle change other than obvious pain. I guess I'm looking at this as a preventative measure - I don't want to be putting undue stress down there just because I don't know what could be better than what I currently have.

My only reference besides myself is my friend who was in pain on his stock Tarmac p̶l̶a̶n̶k̶ saddle, so he had to get a new one and felt much better. Relative to him, I'd say I got lucky with the Prologo. If you're still reading my rambling, thanks. Am I just looking for an excuse to buy something new for my bike?? :p ]]> New Riders gocard http://forums.teamestrogen.com/showthread.php?t=51624 http://forums.teamestrogen.com/showthread.php?t=51620&goto=newpost Sat, 11 May 2013 22:50:25 GMT Hey Everyone!
I am relatively new to riding, this is my second real season. This year I bought a Cannondale Synapse which I love, but I don't so much love the saddle. What saddle do like? I ride about 100 miles a week and am doing a 50 miles charity ride in June, and am also going to try to do a 100 mile race in August. I would like something that offers good support for longer rides without the soreness and bruise type feeling. Any input is helpful. :) ]]> New Riders AshleyF http://forums.teamestrogen.com/showthread.php?t=51620 http://forums.teamestrogen.com/showthread.php?t=51608&goto=newpost Wed, 08 May 2013 19:49:20 GMT Now I'm going to sound like a nervous mother but I am taking my bike by bike carrier to another town to do a ride. This is the most expensive bike I've owned in my life and I love it. So...take me with a grain of salt.

Do you secure your bike to your bike carrier with a lock? Do you worry about leaving it alone when you go in a restaurant? What are normal prudent things to do? :o ]]> New Riders MollyJ http://forums.teamestrogen.com/showthread.php?t=51608 http://forums.teamestrogen.com/showthread.php?t=51583&goto=newpost Sun, 05 May 2013 21:45:11 GMT I rode my first charity tour ride yesterday. It was supposed to be 17 miles but the group I was with got lost so we ended up doing 20. It was terrible weather, cold and raining. I had a wind shell/ rain repellent type jacket, but not something that could really hold up to being soaked riding in... I rode my first charity tour ride yesterday. It was supposed to be 17 miles but the group I was with got lost so we ended up doing 20.

It was terrible weather, cold and raining. I had a wind shell/ rain repellent type jacket, but not something that could really hold up to being soaked riding in the cold rain for two hours. I shivered involuntarily for about 30 minutes after we stopped.

After seeing several better prepared people (not all though), I have decided I may need an actual rain jacket, some sort of ear warmers, and possibly a helmet that doesn't let rain roll directly into my eyes.

Given that its getting warmer, is now the time to load up on stuff for cold weather/ rain?

What specific items have you all found the most helpful in your rides? ]]> New Riders Meowkungpow http://forums.teamestrogen.com/showthread.php?t=51583 http://forums.teamestrogen.com/showthread.php?t=51567&goto=newpost Thu, 02 May 2013 21:56:41 GMT I an 54 and weigh way more than I should at 5'8". I used to be an avid runner until I ran all the cartilage out of my knee and 2 surgeons told me it was time to stop. I was heart broken. I loved running.

So, I have decided to try cycling. I live in Knoxville Tennessee where there are plenty of hills. Today was my first ride. My bike had been at a friend's house where her cycling son had given it the once over, replaced the grips and tires and brakes. But the renovation had been a Christmas present to me -- not last Christmas but the year before! It was time to start!

I rode from her house to my apartment -- 2 miles. Not far but plenty of traffic. Had to walk it up hills 3 times. All in all I feel pretty good about it. The challenge for me was carrying it up 3 flights of stairs after the ride to my apartment! http://forums.teamestrogen.com/images/smilies/frown.gif

Will try to go again tomorrow after I get off from work.

I did come to the realization that some biking shorts might be a good idea! Ouch.....

It's not a fancy bike. Can't get one of those yet, but I can get started with what I have. I plan on checking in on this forum several times a week. For inspiration and motivation!

Am looking forward to getting to know some of you and hear about your experience and strength! ]]> New Riders bikingnewbie http://forums.teamestrogen.com/showthread.php?t=51567 http://forums.teamestrogen.com/showthread.php?t=51566&goto=newpost Thu, 02 May 2013 02:14:07 GMT I have ridden 20 mile rides and I do pretty well so long as I have enough water. But I think going into the 40+ mile zone, I'm just coming back completely done and I think it's nutritional. Should I be eating (ie like a power bar or such) and if yes, how frequently? Halfway point? I don't have a lot of sense of being hungry until after. What are people's guides? ]]> New Riders MollyJ http://forums.teamestrogen.com/showthread.php?t=51566 http://forums.teamestrogen.com/showthread.php?t=51557&goto=newpost Tue, 30 Apr 2013 05:30:41 GMT So I have been riding that long now, mostly just back and forth to work(8 miles of fairly hilly road). ON the days i ride for longer 15-20 Ive started noticing i'm getting hand cramps AFTER my ride. They don't feel amazing while i'm riding but they arent hurting. I don't put load of pressure on them (no back or shoulder or neck pain).

I was beginning to wonder if my shifters are just a little farther than my fingers want to reach?


Any ideas? ]]> New Riders Meowkungpow http://forums.teamestrogen.com/showthread.php?t=51557 http://forums.teamestrogen.com/showthread.php?t=51548&goto=newpost Sun, 28 Apr 2013 20:14:55 GMT I'm 53 and overweight. The idea of cycling began to excite me a few weeks ago as a fun way to work more activity into my lifestyle. I haven't done any bike riding since I was a kid, so between the fear and the uncooperative cold, rainy spring we've been having, the bike I bought over a month ago has just been waiting in my spare room. (I did practice getting on and off the bike, which I'm glad I did.)

Today I finally gathered up my courage and did it. I put on my new helmet and gloves and wheeled the bike out to the parking lot of my apartment complex. We have a multi-vehicle carport, which was handy to use for support while I struggled along for the first few tries. When I made my first serious attempt at pushing off and pedaling, I didn't have enough momentum and ended up crashing into one of the wooden carport posts (better than the pavement!). If it weren't for my helmet, I'd have a big lump on my forehead.

I wanted to give up after that, but I made myself try again. After a few more tries, I was riding my bike around the apartment complex, executing simple turns, and using the brakes - another thing that terrified me at first. They're coaster brakes, not hand-operated brakes. It was such an awesome feeling and so much fun! I wanted to leave the "nest" of the parking lot and do some exploring in the neighborhood, but I was shocked at how quickly I became tired. I rode the length of a few of the buildings in my complex and I was so winded, I had to go back. :confused: Oh, well. Hopefully my fitness level will build up fairly quickly if I go a little further every day.

For now, I've got an inexpensive ladies' cruiser - a Schwinn Legacy - to tide me over until I have a chance to get to know what kind of bikes are out there and what will fit my needs. At this point a cruiser seems fine for what I plan to do - exercise, save on gas by riding to work (10 miles round trip) and to the store, etc. I'm thinking about an Electra Townie.

I'm excited to see where this will take me, and excited to be here!

I do have a question. There are speed bumps in the parking lot here at the apartment complex. I see young kids fly over them with their bikes, but I'm not so keen on trying it myself. I went around the speed bump that was in my path. Is it safe to try to go over them at my weight and inexperience? Do you need a faster momentum? Or should I just avoid it altogether? I don't want to go flying over the handlebars. ]]> New Riders KittiPaws http://forums.teamestrogen.com/showthread.php?t=51548 http://forums.teamestrogen.com/showthread.php?t=51529&goto=newpost Fri, 26 Apr 2013 06:37:35 GMT Hi!
So many choices! I have a pair of Tifosi that were so blurry tonight was horrible! Anyone have any suggestions on great cycling glasses? Not looking for prescription ready. I've been looking at the Oakley Radarlock, any thoughts?

Thank you as always ladies for your help!
Beach ]]> New Riders Beachmouse http://forums.teamestrogen.com/showthread.php?t=51529